ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Al Molinaro, known to fans of the classic sitcom Happy Days as the diner owner Al Delvecchio, died Friday in Glendale, California, his son, Michael, told The New York Times. He was 96.
Molinaro starred for several seasons on Happy Days as Al Delvecchio, whose catchphrase was “yup-yup-yup-yup.” He joined the cast as the owner of Arnold’s Drive-In in 1976, replacing Pat Morita.
He also brought the character to the short-lived spin-off Joanie Loves Chachi.
More recently, he reprised the role of Al Delvecchio in the Happy Days-themed music video for the Weezer song “Buddy Holly” in 1995.
Aside from his work on Happy Days, Molinaro is known for his role as police Officer Murray Greshler on TV’s The Odd Couple.
His other credits included the TV series Get Smart, Green Acres and Fantasy Island.
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